Fix Incorrect Fonts When Combining PDFs in Acrobat Pro 2017
Question details
Users experience incorrect font rendering after merging multiple PDF files.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Combining multiple PDF files created from Adobe applications and Microsoft Word into a single document.
- Observed behavior
- The resulting combined PDF displays incorrect or substituted fonts instead of the original fonts from the source files.
Ensure that all source PDF files open correctly on their own and check if the original fonts are installed on your current system.
Verify Font Embedding in Source PDFs
Ensure fonts are properly embedded in the original PDF files before combining them to prevent font substitution.
When source files do not have fonts securely embedded, combining them forces the software to substitute missing fonts with generic system fonts, altering the document's appearance.
Open each source PDF in your PDF reader. Press Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (Mac) to open the Document Properties window.
Navigate to the 'Fonts' tab. Verify that every font listed has '(Embedded)' or '(Embedded Subset)' written next to it.
If any fonts are not embedded, go back to the original application (e.g., Microsoft Word or Illustrator) and export the file again as a PDF, making sure to check the option to embed fonts.
Update Software and Inspect PDF Compliance Settings
Software bugs or non-compliant PDF settings can cause rendering issues during the merge process.
Merge PDF Files Effortlessly with WPS PDF
Avoid font corruption and formatting errors by using WPS Office to merge your PDF documents. WPS PDF ensures that all original fonts and layouts are perfectly preserved during the combination process.
- 1. Open WPS PDF: Download and launch WPS Office, then open the WPS PDF tool from the main dashboard.
- 2. Access the Merge Tool: Click on the 'Merge PDF' tool located in the main interface or under the 'Page' tab.
- 3. Add Files: Add all your source PDF files into the dialog box and arrange them by dragging them into your desired order.
- 4. Merge and Save: Click the 'Merge' button to create a single, perfectly formatted PDF document with all original fonts intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do fonts change when I combine PDF files?
Fonts often change or default to system substitutes when they are not fully embedded in the original PDF files. When the combining software cannot find the specific font data, it replaces it with a generic alternative to display the text.
How do I force fonts to embed in Microsoft Word before exporting to PDF?
In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Save, and check 'Embed fonts in the file'. Additionally, when saving as a PDF, click 'Options' in the save dialog and ensure 'ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)' is selected.
Can I fix the fonts after the PDFs are already combined?
If the fonts were not embedded originally, fixing them post-merge is difficult and often requires manually replacing text. It is much easier to go back to the source files, embed the fonts correctly, and perform the combination process again.
Does embedding fonts increase the PDF file size?
Yes, embedding fonts will slightly increase the file size because the document now contains the actual font data. However, this ensures the document looks identical across all devices, operating systems, and PDF readers.
